How secure is the AdelaideFree public Wi-Fi network?

The AdelaideFree network is as secure as possible for a public Wi-Fi network. Internode has operated free public Wi-Fi networks throughout Australia, including the former Citylan network in Adelaide, for more than a decade without reported security problems.

Internode has implemented a number of security features that help protect the privacy of people using the AdelaideFree Wi-Fi network at no extra cost. These security features include:

Clear identification of the AdelaideFree network through a clearly identifiable splash page, with branding and Terms & Conditions, to reduce the risk of "SSID spoofing" (where a "bogus" access point masquerades as part of the genuine AdelaideFree network).

Built-in integrity monitoring: The AdelaideFree network is designed to actively seek and flag any "pirate" wireless access points that may attempt to join the network.

Network Address Translation ensures that devices using the AdelaideFree network cannot be reached directly from the Internet. This provides a layer of protection should the device have an insecurity or a compromised app that might expose user data to the Internet.

Forced-forwarding within the network prevents devices from "talking" directly to each other, so each device on AdelaideFree behaves like it is the only user of the Internet connection.

AdelaideFree's Cisco Wireless Access Point hardware uses beamforming to direct a data stream to the user's device alone, which makes it harder for a hacker to intercept the signal.

Carrier-grade Cisco hardware has extremely sensitive receivers and large high-gain antennas this means that your smartphone or tablet needs to transmit only at very low power, thus reducing the risk of them being "overheard".

What measures should people take when using public Wi-Fi networks?

Online security is important. Internode recommends that users do not transmit sensitive information unencrypted over any network, let alone a public Wi-Fi network. We advise customers to maintain strong passwords for their online accounts, and change them on a regular basis, to protect their private information. Likewise, we advise customers to maintain current anti-virus protection and apply the latest operating system patches from their device manufacturer.

Network users should also recognise the risk of entering user details and passwords into online accounts in public places. People can - and do - watch, making "onlookers" a significant security risk.

Should activities such as online banking be avoided on public Wi-Fi networks?

Internode recognises that free public Wi-Fi access is a compromise between security and utility. In order to lock down security completely, it is necessary to "know" the customer (i.e. have identifying information against which to authenticate) which is not possible on a public access network.

People using public Wi-Fi networks should always consciously decide whether the convenience of immediate access to an online resource, such as a bank account, is worth the associated security risk. If it is urgent to access such online resources over a public Wi-Fi network, we recommend that the user should always look for an HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) connection with a valid certificate. If in doubt, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which creates an encrypted "tunnel" between your device and the online resource you are accessing.

So what's the bottom line on public Wi-Fi network security?

Internode has built as much security as possible into the AdelaideFree W-Fi network.

However, it is important to recognise that public Wi-Fi networks are, by their nature, a compromise between security and utility. The only way to lock down security completely is to "know" the customer - a piece of knowledge which, by definition, is not possible on a public Wi-Fi network.

The bottom line for online security is that individual users should always keep security in mind when using devices in public places: That includes maintaining strong passwords, current versions of their software and anti-virus protection to protect their personal information.